The last thing you expect while you are stopped in traffic or driving on the roadways of Evans, GA, is to be struck from behind by another vehicle. Unfortunately, rear-end collisions are far more common than you might have thought.
Contrary to popular belief, rear-end collisions can often produce debilitating injuries. If you have been critically injured in a rear-end collision, having a legal advocate on your side may make it possible for you to access the compensation and benefits you deserve. Call an Evans rear-end collision lawyer at John Foy & Associates to find out more about which legal options are most likely to maximize the restitution you are awarded in your case.
Defining a Rear-End Collision
A rear-end collision occurs when the driver of one vehicle suddenly slams into the rear-end of the vehicle immediately in front of it. Drivers have an obligation to leave enough stopping distance between vehicles at all times.
Anytime a rear-end collision occurs, it is generally because the non-leading driver failed to leave enough stopping distance. However, this is not necessarily always the cause of these collisions. In fact, there are several instances in which the driver of the vehicle that rear-ended you may not be responsible for causing your accident.
For this reason, a rear-end collision lawyer in Evans, GA working for you may be the best way to ensure all potentially liable parties are not accountable for their recklessness.
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Liability for Rear-End Collisions in Evans
Although you may assume that you know who is responsible for causing your rear-end collision, you might be surprised to find that there are several other parties who could share the blame as well.
It will be up to your rear-end collision attorney in Evans, GA, to conduct a thorough investigation. This way, we can identify all potential at all parties to ensure you are being compensated fairly for your damages.
The Driver Who Hit You
Generally, the driver of the vehicle who hit you from behind will be found responsible for causing your injuries. This is because all drivers have an obligation to leave an adequate stopping distance. There are many reasons why a driver might fail to leave an adequate stopping distance.
In some cases, rear-end collisions are caused by distracted drivers. Anytime a driver takes their eyes off the road, whether that be to update their navigation system, select music, argue with passengers, or look at their cell phones, they can suddenly slam into the backside of the vehicle in front of them. Drivers who are drunk or on drugs, drowsy, driving aggressively, or otherwise fail to exercise necessary care could be held accountable when they cause a rear-end collision.
Other At-Fault Parties
Negligent drivers are not the only cause of rear-end collisions. In fact, as your Evans rear-end collision attorney investigates, it may become clear that there are multiple other parties we could share the blame. For instance, if the driver of the vehicle behind you attempted to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting you but discovered that their braking system was defective, the brake manufacturers, maintenance technicians, and other third parties could share fault.
It is also possible that road conditions made it impossible for the driver to avoid hitting you from behind. If street signs were missing, road construction zones were not properly secured, or government agencies otherwise failed to take action to make sure the roadways were safe, government authorities, professionals, and other third parties could share liability.
Legal Options After an Evans Rear-End Collision
After being involved in a rear-end collision, figuring out how you are going to get your costs covered will be a top priority. There are several potential ways you can ensure the at-fault party compensates you for your damages. Some of the most popular options include:
- Filing a claim with your own auto insurance company
- Filing a claim with the culpable party’s auto insurance company
- Filing a civil lawsuit against those responsible for causing your rear-end collision injuries
File an Insurance Claim
First and foremost, you will have the opportunity to file a claim with the insurance company. Georgia’s car insurance requirements mandate all motorists carry auto insurance coverage on their vehicles.
However, that does not mean that all drivers carry insurance as required. Those that do will be protected by their auto insurance coverage up to the policy limits. Those that do not may find themselves subject to civil liability.
Additionally, although Georgia is a fault state for auto insurance claims, you may have the opportunity to file a claim with your own insurance company if you added personal injury protection (PIP) or no-fault insurance coverage as part of your own insurance policy.
Bring Your Rear-End Collision Case to Court
When insurance coverage is not sufficient, bringing your case to trial could be a good opportunity to recover your damages and fall. Since insurance payouts are based on the limits purchased by the policyholder, it is not unusual to need to file a lawsuit in addition to an insurance claim.
Instead of dealing with the restrictions of an insurance policy, you have an opportunity to recover all of your losses by bringing your case to trial.
Make the Liable Party Pay for Their Negligence
Do not get stuck covering the costs of the liable party’s negligent actions. You have the right to be repaid for every loss. You may be entitled to compensation for general damages and special damages.
However, you could also be awarded punitive damages after a rear-end collision.
General Damages and Special Damages
General damages and special damages are commonly known as economic damages and non-economic damages. Collectively, they describe the types of losses you have the right to recover. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not a loss you are entitled to recover. You may be awarded punitive damages if the courts deemed the defendant’s conduct egregious, intolerable, abhorrent, or grossly negligent.
Call a Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Evans for Help Today
After being involved in a rear-end collision, you may feel like your entire life is on hold. Take back control of your life and fight for the compensation and benefits that are rightfully yours.
You can start working on your insurance and civil claims as soon as today when you fill out our secured contact form or call us to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Evans rear-end collision lawyer at John Foy & Associates.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form